—SMA has released its next-generation photovoltaic system design software: Sunny Design 2.0. Available for free download at www.SMA-America.com, Sunny Design 2.0 offers a variety of new features and a user-friendly interface that make PV array planning even easier.

SMA’s Sunny Design helps solar installers and system planners visualize possible PV plant designs and select the optimum configuration quickly and easily. Based on module selection and other basic system parameters, Sunny Design suggests inverter models and string sizing that accommodate the desired system size. Complex plants with several different sub-arrays and inverter types can be combined into a single project.

“A successful PV project begins with optimal system configuration,” said Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. “The innovative Sunny Design 2.0 software saves solar installers and system planners valuable time while providing critical design data that helps them create a tailor-made solution for their customers.”

New features of Sunny Design 2.0 include an enhanced user interface; inverter selections based on grid-connection voltage; improved visualization of system performance characteristics; and the ability to export user-defined modules and locations for exchange with other users.

Also included are the traditional capabilities of the Sunny Design software, such as an extensive database of available PV modules; worldwide location support with high-resolution meteorological data; cable dimensioning assistance; and annual projected energy estimates. Users can also create reports with key project values and then print or save them as a PDF document.

About SMA

The SMA Group, with sales of 1.9 billion euros in 2010, is the world market leader for solar inverters, a component that lies at the heart of every solar power system. Its headquarters is situated in Niestetal near Kassel and it also has 17 foreign subsidiaries situated on four continents. In 2010, the Corporate Group employed over 5,000 persons (including temporary staff). SMA produces a wide spectrum of inverter types, the optimal inverter for each type of solar module used and offers all the power classes required for solar power systems. The product portfolio includes both inverters for grid-connected solar power systems and stand-alone systems. Since 2008, the parent company SMA Solar Technology AG has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (S92) and in the TecDAX. Over the past few years, SMA has received several awards for its outstanding performance as an employer and lately reached first place in the federal “Great Place to Work” competition. www.SMA-America.com/www.SMA-Canada.ca